Mount Vernon, Ohio
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| Mount Vernon, Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mount Vernon |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Elm City |
| Pushpin label | Mount Vernon |
| Coordinates | 40, 23, 34, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Ohio |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Knox |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1805 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1845 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Matt Starr |
| Area total km2 | 29.30 |
| Area total sq mi | 11.31 |
| Area land km2 | 29.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 11.27 |
| Area water km2 | 0.10 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.04 |
| Elevation m | 300 |
| Elevation ft | 984 |
| Population total | 16956 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 580.7 |
| Population density sq mi | 1504.2 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 43050 |
| Area code | 740 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 39-53102 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1065045 |
| Website | https://mountvernonohio.org/ |
Mount Vernon, Ohio. Mount Vernon is a city in and the county seat of Knox County, Ohio, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Columbus along the Kokosing River. Founded in 1805, it was named for the Virginia estate of George Washington and is historically known as "The Elm City" for its once-abundant tree canopy. The city serves as a commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding agricultural region and is home to Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
History
The area was originally part of the vast public lands controlled by the United States Congress following the American Revolutionary War. The city was formally laid out in 1805 by Joseph Walker and Thomas B. Patterson, with the first court session for the newly formed Knox County held there in 1808. Growth was spurred by the arrival of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad and the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal, cementing its role as a regional center for trade and industry. Throughout the 19th century, it was a noted center for abolitionist activity, with figures like Daniel Decatur Emmett residing in the area. The city's historic character is preserved in districts like the Mount Vernon Historic District.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.31 square miles, of which 11.27 square miles is land and 0.04 square miles is water. The city is situated within the Till Plains region of the Central Lowlands and is bisected by the Kokosing River, a tributary of the Walhonding River. Major transportation routes include U.S. Route 36, State Route 13, and State Route 229, with the Ohio to Erie Trail passing through the city. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, with Ariel-Foundation Park developed on the site of a former Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company factory.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 16,956. The 2010 census recorded a population of 16,990, showing relative stability. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and multiracial residents. The Census Bureau designates the city as the principal city of the Mount Vernon micropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Knox County. The median age is approximately 38 years, and the average household size is around 2.3 persons.
Economy
The economy has historically been based on manufacturing and agriculture. Major employers have included the former Cooper Tire & Rubber Company plant, Ariel Corporation, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The Kenyon College community in nearby Gambier also contributes to the local economy. The downtown area features a mix of retail, professional services, and restaurants, supported by organizations like the Area Development Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce. The city is also a regional healthcare center, anchored by Knox Community Hospital.
Education
Public education is provided by the Mount Vernon City School District, which operates Mount Vernon High School. The city is also home to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a private institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Nearby Gambier is the site of Kenyon College, a prominent private liberal arts college founded in 1824. The public library system is served by the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, and career-technical education is available through the Knox County Career Center.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include songwriter and minstrel show performer Daniel Decatur Emmett, who wrote "Dixie"; Civil War general and Secretary of the Interior Columbus Delano; baseball player Rollie Hemsley of the Cleveland Indians; actress and singer Lily Pons; and former National Football League player Chris Ward. Author and illustrator Robert McCloskey spent his later years in the area, and journalist and political commentator Bill Press was born here.
Category:Cities in Ohio Category:Knox County, Ohio Category:County seats in Ohio